Space Shuttle

Image: NASA (Public Domain)

Space Shuttle

Designation: OV (Orbiter Vehicle)

NASA Modern Classic spacecraft 1981-2011

Why it matters

The Space Shuttle was supposed to make spaceflight routine. In some ways it did — 135 missions, the Hubble Space Telescope serviced, the International Space Station assembled. In other ways it didn't — Challenger and Columbia. But for 30 years, the Shuttle was human spaceflight. A generation grew up watching those launches. It remains the most complex machine ever built.

Specifications

Max Speed 17,500 mph (orbital velocity)
Range N/A (orbital)
Service Ceiling 400 miles (maximum orbital altitude)
Engine 3x RS-25 SSMEs + 2x SRBs
Power/Thrust 6,781,000 lbf at liftoff (combined)
Wingspan 78 ft 1 in
Length 122 ft 2 in
Crew 2-8
Production 5 orbiters built
First Flight 1981-04-12
Service Dates 1981-2011

Notable Features

  • Reusable spacecraft
  • Largest payload to orbit
  • Built the ISS
  • 135 missions flown

Patina notes

Each orbiter tells its story in the tiles. Discovery flew 39 missions, and her thermal protection system shows it — replacement tiles, areas of different ages, the accumulated evidence of reentry after reentry. The payload bay doors show wear from cargo operations. The cockpit switches are worn smooth by astronaut gloves. These are working spacecraft, not showpieces.

Preservation reality

All four surviving orbiters are now museum pieces. Discovery is at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center. Atlantis is at Kennedy Space Center. Endeavour is at the California Science Center. Enterprise (which never flew to space) is at the Intrepid Museum. Each required heroic logistics to transport and display. They are the crown jewels of aerospace preservation.

Where to see one

  • • Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center (Discovery)
  • • Kennedy Space Center (Atlantis)
  • • California Science Center (Endeavour)
  • • Intrepid Museum (Enterprise)

Preservation organizations

  • • NASA
  • • Smithsonian Institution

Sources